Experts to look at possibilty of a new combined station HEYSHAM could soon be home to a ground-breaking third power station under new British Energy plans. Feasibility studies are currently going on at the Nuclear Electric site into the possibilities of creating a combined gas turbine station on land next to the existing Heysham One. The new plant would be the world's first combined nuclear and gas station, taking advantage of the nearby Morecambe Bay Gas Field. It will be added on to Heysham One and use its turbines. A spokesman for British Energy told the Citizen: "Nuclear Electric, one of our subsidiary companies, is indeed conducting a feasibility study on ground at Heysham One.

"That study is not likely to be completed for some time and we don't expect any firm decision to be taken before next Spring. The idea is simply to make the most of the existing plant."

It has been rumoured that the creation of the plant is planned for the coming 'outages' of Heysham's nuclear power station - a time when both stations are shut-down and over-hauled.

A gas powered unit on the same site would allow British Energy to keep the flow of electricity from Heysham during that time. Once the two nuclear stations are running again, the gas plant would kick in at peak times, acting as a back-up.

But the creation of yet another power station at Heysham is already coming in for criticism from residents and green campaigners in the area.

Mark Johnston from North Lancashire Friends of the Earth said: "Saving electricity is always cheaper than making more of it and is naturally better for the environment by reducing the threat of global warming or by avoiding dangerous wastes.

"British Energy should not put their hunger to boost profits before what is best for society as a whole. The new plant should not go ahead."

And Patricia England from the Heysham Community Project added: "Here we are working hard to show what a wonderful heritage we have here and this happens.

"I think part of this feasibility study should be a consultation with local people to find out what they think. We should be involved."

A short letter explaining the feasibility study has been sent to members of the Heysham Power Station Local Community Liaison Council.

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